Portable baby warming apparatus

ABSTRACT

A combination for transporting an infant having a mattress, a hot pack for chemically generating heat, a heat retaining pack for absorbing the generated heat and releasing it at a generally constant temperature over an extended period of time, and an insulating bunting or blanket for swaddling the infant. These elements in combination provide the infant with heat from an external source and insulate him against the loss of his own heat, thereby enabling him to use his limited energy to sustain other vital body functions. The insulating bunting also has a novel construction since it includes means for retaining the infant in a fixed position on the mattress, means for supporting the head of the infant in a hyperextended position and means for visually monitoring the breathing and skin color of the infant.

Williams 451 Dec. 17,1974

[ PORTABLE BABY WARMING APPARATUS [75] Inventor: Vernon L. Williams,Dana Point,

Calif.

[73] Assignee: Kay Laboratories, Inc., San Diego,

Calif.

22 Filed: Mar. 20, 1972 21 Appl. No.: 236,120

' 521 u.s.c1 5/347, 5/93 R, 5/284,

[56] A References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,613,130 l/l927 ONeal etal 5/347 2,600,501 6/1952 Higgs 5/98 R 3,034,132 5/1962 Landsberger2/69.5 3,175,558 3/1965 Caillouette 128/403 3,427,431 2/1969 Costanzo5/347 3,542,032 11/1970 Spencer 126/204 X Primary Examiner-Casmir A.Nunberg Attorney, Agent, or FirmE1lsworth R. Roston 5 7] ABSTRACT Acombination for transporting an infant having a mattress, a hot pack forchemically generating heat, a heat retaining pack for absorbing thegenerated heat and releasing it at a generally constant temperature overan extended period of time, and an insulating bunting or blanket forswaddling the infant. These elements in combination provide the infantwith heat from an external source and insulate him against the loss ofhis own heat, thereby enabling him to use his limited energy to sustainother vital body functions. The insulating bunting also has a novelconstruction since it includes means for retaining the infant in a fixedposition on the mattress, means for supporting the head of the infant ina hyperextended position and means for visually monitoring the breathingand skin color of the infant.

25 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures PAIENTEU m 1 H914 3.854. 15

SHEET 2 BF 3 PORTABLE BABY WARMING APPARATUS BACKGROUND FIELD OF THEINVENTION The fields of this invention comprise hooded infant appareland portable apparatus for the generation of heat which can be impartedto an infant to aid in the stabilization of his or her body temperature.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART It is well known that a baby experiences anabrupt drop in temperature when it first leave its mothers womb. Veryfew infants make this transition without having to devote a substantialamount of their available energy to the maintenance of body temperature.In the case of small, premature or sick babies, the absence ofadditional energy to devote to other vital body functions is oftencritical.

Various devices have been provided to conserve the precious'heat of sucha frail body. In many hospitals, the infant is immediately wrapped in aflannel bunting which has some insulating effect on the infant. However,this flannel wrap only aids in retaining the body heat of the infant.Furthermore, the retention of this heat is questionable in light offunctional limitations on the thickness of the flannel and hence thebulkiness of the bunting. I

Various attempts have been made to increase the insulating quality ofthe bunting. Significant among these is a plastic and aluminum laminate.The reflective surfaces and the polyester insulating layer have beenfound to retain heat more efficiently than the flannel bunting. However,a serious disadvantage of the foil laminate is the danger of overheatingand suffocation. This danger of suffocation has typically required thatthe laminate only be used under the supervision of doctors and nurses.

In neither the flannel bunting nor the foil laminate has there been anyprovision for imparting heat to the frail infant. These wraps areintended only to retain the heat which the infant generates withinhimself or herself.

The prior art also includes electrical radiant heaters which arepositioned above a table on which the infant lies. A thermistor isattached to the body of the infant for sensing his body temperature andcontrolling the amount of radiant energy which is emitted by the heater.As the temperature drops, additional radiant heat is directed onto thetable.

Although the electrical radiant heaters attempt to impart heat to theinfant, several functional drawbacks have been encountered. The mostserious of these is The temperature of the infants environment variesconsiderably as the amount of radiant heat is increased and decreased inaccordance with the operation of the thermistor. This is not desirablesince a constant temperature is conducive to the preservation of theinfants vital energy.

The need to attach a thermistor to the body of the infant generallyprohibits the successful wrapping of the infant so that he is typicallyexposed to the cool convective air currents which are present. These aircurrents tend to lower the body temperature of the infant so that thedegree of radiant heat must be increased.

The radiant heaters are typically positioned over a table on which theinfant is lying. Doctors and nurses attending the infant on the tablenecessarily come within the rays of the heater. This, of course, makesthe doctors and nurses uncomfortable since they are exposed to heat thatis intended for the infant. More im- .portantly, perhaps, the infant isdeprived of the heat which it needs. Therefore, the radiant heaters canbe a source of discomfort to both the infant and the persons attendingthe infant.

The radiant heater is also disadvantageous because it is not portable.Portability of the heater is important because it allows a newly borninfant to be carried about the hospital, such as from the nursery to thematernity ward, without changing the temperature of the infant. Attemptshave been made to make the radiant heaters portable by incorporatinglarge batteries to provide a source of electrical power. It is wellknown however, that a substantial electrical current is required by anyheat generating apparatus. This in turn results in a large current drainon the batteries and requires that the batteries be rechargedfrequently. Thus maintenance of the batteries has been a considerableproblem.

In addition to these disadvantages, the electrical radiant heaters areexpensive to purchase and maintain. Furthermore, their high purchaseprice requires that the radiant heaters be non-disposable and thereforea considerable effort must be made to keep them free of germs.

SUMMARY. OF THE INVENTION The above-described problems have been solvedby the apparatus of this invention, which provides for the novelcombination of a small portable mattress having insulating qualities,means for chemically generating heat, means for absorbing the generatedheat and releasing the heat at a substantially constant temperature overan extended period of time and means for wrapping an infant so that thedispersion of his body heat is inhibited. It will be appreciated thatvarious subcombinations within the above combination are in themselvesinventive and patentable.

The mattress is provided with cavities which readily accept the size andshape of the heat generating means and the heat absorbing means todefine a recess in which the baby can be laid. The heat generating meansis provided with a rupturable bag which, prior to its rupture, separateschemicals which are capable of re acting to generate heat. Since theheat generating reaction will not take place until the chemicals becomemixed, the rupturable bag provides a means for controlling the time atwhich the reaction takes place.

The heat absorbing means absorbs the heat generated by the heatgenerating means and releases this heat over an extended period of time.During the time that the heat absorbing means is releasing this heat, itprovides a substantially constant temperature. The capacity of the heatabsorbing means to absorb heat is preferably greater than the capacityof the heat generating means to generate heat so that the heat absorbingmeans will be able to operate at a constant temperature. The heatabsorbing means may be compartmentalized so that the puncture of asingle compartment will not result in a complete loss of the enclosedchemicals.

The bunting or baby-wrapping means includes provision for the support ofthe babys head and the viewing of the babys chest while he remainscovered. Preferably the baby s head is supported in a hyperextendedposition to facilitate his breathing. Provision is made in the buntingor baby-wrapping means to view the babys chest so that the breathing ofthe baby can be determined at any instant. Preferably the baby-wrappingmeans is formed from a single piece of material having insulatingproperties.

Means may also be provided in the bunting for pinning the babys arms tohis sides to limit the babys movement. Limiting the babys movement isdesirable to insure that the babys temperature will be maintained at asubstantially constant value. A baby can easily breathe through theinsulating material which comprises the baby-wrapping means so that anydanger of suffocation is minimized.

The low cost and disposability of the combination of means constitutingthis invention also cause the invention to be significantly advantageousover the prior art. Furthermore, with the present invention each infantcan be provided with his own individual unit. This individual unit canbe used not only to transport the infant within the hospital, but alsocan provide an inexpensive and functional gift to the parents as theyleave, the hospital. In this manner, the infant can be carried from thehospital to his home at a substantially constant temperature. Since thisis generally the infants first exposure to an uncontrolled environment,this means for aiding him in the generation of body heat can be ofparticular importance at that time.

Even when the infant is older, the warming apparatus will provide anexcellent means for transporting the infant during short trips to andfrom his home. By providing the infant with a source of heat at a'substantially constant temperature and thus aiding him in retaining hisbody heat, the warming apparatus will make it possible for the infant tobe taken from the comfortable environment of his home even sooner thanwould otherwise be possible. By contributing to the maintenance of theinfants body temperature, the warming apparatus makes it possible forthe infant to use his limited energy to combat germs and sustain hisother vital functions.

Further features of the invention will appear from the followingdescription in which the preferred embodiments of the invention havebeen set forth in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a frontal-side perspectiveview of the portable baby warming apparatus constituting one embodimentof this invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 2--2 of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of heat generating means included inthe embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4a is a top view of the heat generating means shown in FIG. 4 andis taken substantially on line 4a4a of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of heat absorption means included inthe embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5a is a top view of the heat absorption means shown in FIG. 5 andis taken substantially on line 5a5a of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is a top view of baby-wrapping means include in the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 to 4, inclusive, and constitutes another inventive feature ofthe combination, the baby-wrapping means being shown in the unfoldedcondition;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the baby-wrapping means shown in FIG. 6with the baby-wrapping means in a partially operative or foldedcondition;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the baby-wrapping means shown in FIGS. 6and 7 with the baby-wrapping means in a further operative or foldedcondition;

FIG. 9 is a top view of an infant wrapped in the babywrapping means; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an infant wrapped in the baby-wrappingmeans.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In FIG. 1 an infant 11 is shownenclosed in a wrapping or swaddling means generally indicated at 13 andlaid upon a mattress generally indicated at 15. A securing meansgenerally indicated at 17 is attached to the mattress 15 and tied aroundthe wrapping means 13. The securing means 17 is of particular advantagesince it serves a dual purpose in insuring that the wrapping means 13stays on the infant 11 and also that the infant 11 remains in contactwith the mattress 15. In this embodiment the securing means is composedof ties or cords l9 and 21 which are attached at one of their ends, suchas end 23, to the mattress 15 and are tied to each other at the bow 25.

The mattress 15 is composed of a soft insulating material such assynthetic foam or latex. The mattress 15 is formed so that it generallydefines three cavities, a body and foot cavity 27, a heat cavity 29, anda head cavity 31. The head cavity 31 is relatively deep so that the headof the infant 11 will be lower than the spine of the infant when theinfant is placed upon the mattress 15. This relative position imparts aparticular advantage to the combination since it contributes to the easewith which the infant l1 breathes.

A heat generating means generally indicated at 33 is disposed at thebottom of heat cavity 29 and an absorbing means generally indicated at35 is disposed on the heat generating means 33. The heat generatingmeans 33 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 4a. It consists of a container bag 37which can be constructed of a flexible plastic and heat-sealed to forman outer cavity 38. At least one chemical 39 is disposed within thecontainer 37. When heat is to be generated, the chemical 39 may becalcium chloride. At least one other chemical 47 capable of reactingwith the chemical 39 to generate heat can be enclosed within arupturable bag 41 and disposed within the outer cavity 38. When calciumchloride is chosen for the chemical 39, water can be used for thechemical 47.

The rupturable bag 41 preferably contains a weakened seal 45 which canbe broken by striking the bag 41 whereby the chemical 47 is releasedinto the outer cavity 38 where it mixes and reacts with the chemical 39to generate heat. The heat generating means 33 is disclosed in detailand claimed in co-pending application Ser. No. 809,870, filed byCornwall and Lynch on Mar. 24, 1969, and assigned of record to theassignee of record of this application.

A gelling agent 51 may be enclosed in the outer cavity 38. A particulargelling agent 51 can be chosen which will react with the chemical 47(such as water) to form a gel with the chemical 39. The effect of thegel will be to inhibit the conduction of heat within container 37 and tosuspend some of the chemical 39, thereby prolonging the period duringwhich effective heat generation can take place and maintaining theheatgeneration at a substantially constant temperature. The inclusion ofa gelling agent 51 is also advantageous since it maintains the differentchemicals in the container 37 in a fixed position. This will prevent thechemicals from running to the lowest portion of the container 37 whenthe mattress is tilted. This is important in insuring that heat isgenerated over the full surface of the mattress 15 on which the babylies. The use of starch as a gelling agent is disclosed in detail andclaimed in co-pending application Ser. No. 169,328 filed by Vernon L.Williams on Aug. 5, 1971, and assigned of record to the assignee ofrecord of this application.

Some gelling reactions require the generation of heat, particularly whenstarch is used as the gelling agent 51. This heat can be supplied by theheat generating reaction of the chemical 39 with tthe chemical 47. Undersuch circumstances, the temperature of the heat generating means 33 willrise significantly prior to the formation of the gel, thereby permittingthe container 37 to achieve a therapeutic temperature prior to theformation of the inhibiting gel. This causes the starch to become cookedso that it can react with the water to form a paste for holding thematerial in a substantially fixed position within the container 37.

A top view of the heat generating means is shown in FIG. 4a with therupturable bag 41 in its collapsed state and the chemical 39 suspendedby the gel 53. The gel 53 has been formed by the chemicals 39 and 47 andthe gelling agent 51.

The heat absorbing means 35 is shown in detail in FIGS. 5 and 5a. It iscomposed of a first layer of flexible plastic 54 and a second layer offlexible plastic 56 each having marginal regions 57 which are heatsealed. Heat seals 59 may also be provided which connected the marginalregions 57 to form a multiplicity of compartments 61.

At least one chemical 63 is enclosed within the com partments 61. Thechemical 63 has the capability of absorbing heat from the heatgenerating means 33 and imparting that heat to the infant 11 at asubstantially constant temperature over a relatively long period oftime. The heat absorbing means 35 is particularly advantageous since itinsuresthat any variations in the temperature of the heat generatingmeans 33 are isolated from the infant 11 and that the infant llexperiences a substantially constant temperature from the heat absorbingmeans 35. By absorbing heat from the heat generating means 33 at afaster rate than-it imparts that heat to the infant 11, the heatabsorbing means also provides the advantage of lengthening the period oftime over which the combination can effectively warm the infant.Experimentation has shown that the heat absorbing means 35 caneffectively impart heat to 'an infant for a period in excess of 5 hours.

A detailed description of the heat absorbing means 35 is provided in theco-pending application for a Constant Temperature Device," Serial No.223,966, filed by Walter B. Dandliker on Feb. 2, 1972 and assigned ofrecord to the assignee of record to the present application. However, inone embodiment, the chemical 63 in the heat absorbing means 35 iscalcium iodide herahydrate which has a melting temperature 42C within apreferred range of melting temperature between 39C to 43C. The chemical63 is originally in a solid form. As it receives heat from the heatgenerating means 33, it melts providing a fluid base on which the infantcan be laid. The chemical 63 will continue to melt and maintain asubstantially constant temperature as long as any of the chemical 63remains in a solid state. Thus a sufficient amount of chemical 63 may beincluded in the heat absorbing means 35 so that some of the chemical 63is still in the solid state when the heat generating means ceases togenerate heat.

As is apparent from FIG. 6, the swaddling means 13 can be formed byjoining several separate pieces of material but it is preferably stampedfrom a single sheet for ease of production. The single piececonstruction is of particular advantage to the combination since itpermits the flexible insulating material to be stacked in layers so thatseveral pieces can be cut at once. This substantially decreases the costof manufacturing the swaddling means 13 and consequently results in alower retail price.

The swaddling means 13 may be constructed from a soft flexibleinsulating material such as a plastic foam. For example, a relativelythin-sheet of polyethylene foam can be used for the swaddling means 13.This material is particularly advantageous because of its light weightand high insulating qualities. This material flexes easily and is alsoadaptable to several means for binding the material to itself.

Polyethylene foam is also relatively easy to breathe through. This isparticularly important for a material which is intended for use inswaddling an infant. It is well known that babies which are awake are inconstant motion. This sometimes has resulted in blankets or otherwrapping means falling across the infant's face and suffocating theinfant. Even if the swaddling means 13 were to fall over the infantsface, the polyethylene foam material would not cut off his oxygensupply.

The swaddling means 13 is preferably formed from a single sheet ofmaterial which may include a back region 6 5 which is substantiallydefined by a rectangle comprising two imaginary short lines 67 and 69and two imaginary long lines 71 and 73. In use, the back side of theinfant typically will be laid upon the back region 65.

A hood region 75 extends from the imaginary short line 67 of the backregion and can be shaped in a substantially rectangular configuration.In this configuration the hood region is defined by two short sides 77and 79 which may be collinear with the long lines 71 and 73,respectively. The hood region 75 is also defined by along side 81 andthe imaginary short line 67. The long side 81 contains a center point 83and defines one of the outer edges of the swaddling means 13.

A hood 85 cap be formed by bending the long side 81 of the hood region75 about its center'point 83. The two corners formed by the long side 81and the short sides 77 and 79 are thus disposed in contiguousrelationship to form a hood seam 87. The seam 87 can be bound by sewingor gluing but taping is preferred. The taping can be provided bydisposing an adhesive on the polyethylene. It is apparent from theformation of the hood 85 that the dimensions of the long side 81 and thetwo short sides 77 and 79 should be such that the hood 85 is largeenough to accept the head of the infant.

An opening 89 provides an entrance to the hood 85 and also a holethrough which the face of the infant can be observed. The hood 85substantially encloses the head of the infant with the exception of hisface. This is particularly important since the surface area of theinfants head is large in comparison to the amount of circulationavailable for maintaining the temperature of his head. The infants ears,which are notoriously susceptible to infection, are also covered by thehood 85.

A front region 91 extends beyond the imaginary short line 69 whichdefines the back region 65. The front region 91 is preferably capable ofbeing folded-over the feet of the infant and across his chest andshoulders. The front region 91 is shaped in a substantially rectangularconfiguration and defined by two long sides 93 and 95, a short side 97,and the imaginary short line 69. The long sides 93 and 95 and the shortside 97 define outer edges of the swaddling means 13. The longsides 93and 95 can be collinear with the imaginary lines 71 and 73 which definethe back region 65.

The front region 91 contains means for monitoring the breathing of theinfant. This monitoring means is shown generally as a window 105. Thewindow 105 may be disposed in the front region 91 so that it willoverlie the chest of the infant when the front region 91 is in place.The window 105 is formed by portions 99 of the front region 91 whichdefine a hole l01. A piece of transparent material 103 can be connectedto the portions 99 and across the hole 101 to cover the window 105. Thepiece of transparent material 103 is preferably a piece of flexibleplastic such as cellophane but any other flexible and transparentmaterial can be used.

' The window 105 imparts significant advantages to the apparatus. Whenoperably positioned over the chest of the infant, the window 105provides a means for monitoring the breathing of the infant. Themonitoring of the infants breathing is especially critical in the firstfew hours after the infants birth since this is the first time he isrequired to rely upon his own lungs to supply his body with oxygen. Bythus embodying the window 105 in the swaddling means 13, the infantschest can be observed without uncovering him. Thus, the advantages ofthe wrapping and the monitoring can be provided simultaneously.

, A first shoulder strap 107 is provided in the front region 91 andincludes the corner defined by the long side 93 and short side 97. Asecond shoulder strap 109 is also provided which includes the cornerdefined by the long side 95 and the short side 97. in the preferredembodiment these corners are rounded. The pair of shoulder straps 107and 109 define a slot 111 which extends perpendicularly from the centerof the short sid 97 and terminates in a hole 113.

As the front region 91 is operably positioned, the neck of the infant ispassed through the slot 111 to occupy the hole 113, and the shoulderstraps 107 and 109 are folded around the respective shoulders of theinfant. The pair of shoulder straps 107 and 109 provides a means forretaining the front region 91 in its operable position upon the chest ofthe infant. By thus retaining the front region 91 in its operableposition, the shoulder straps 107 and 109 insure that the window 105 isalso substantially secured over the chest of the infant to cover theinfant and also provide for the continuous monitoring of .the infantsbreathing.

A first side region 115 extending from the imaginary long line 71 of theback region can be provided to cover at least half of the infants chestand one of his arms. The first side region 115 can be substantiallydefined by an imaginary short line 117, a short side 119, a long side121, and the imaginary long line 71 arranged in a substantiallyrectangular configuration. The imaginary short line 117 can be collinearwith the imaginary short line 67. The short side 1 l9 and the long side121 define outer edges of the swaddling means 13.

A portion of the first side region 115 can be removed from the cornerdefined by the long side 121 and the imaginary line 117. This piece canbe substantially in the shape of a quarter section of a circle whereinthe center of the circle is located at the point where the long side 121and the imaginary short line 117 intersect. The removal of this pieceprovides the first side region l15with an edge 123 which is curved inthe direction of the hood region with progressive displacements towardthe back region 65.

A second side region 125 can extend from the imaginary long line 73 ofthe back region 65 and may be a mirror image of the first side region115. In this configuration the second side region 125 is defined by ashort side 127, an imaginary short line 129, a longside 131, and theimaginary long line 73. The short side 127 and the long side 131 defineouter edges of the swaddling means 13. A piece substantially in theconfiguration of a quarter section of a circle can be' removed from aportion of .the second short side 125 where the imaginary side 129 andthe long side 131 intersect to define the center of the circle. Thus anedge 133 is provided which curves in the direction of the hood region 75with progressive displacements in the direction of the back region 65.

The curved edges 123 and 133 are operably positioned to extend along thesides of the infants face. Thus these curved edges 123 and 133 cooperateto expose the face of the infant by defining the opening 89 in the hood85. It can be appreciated that the curved edges 123 and 1 33 need not becircular but can be cut in any shape to provide an opening in closeproximity to the infants face.

When the first and second side regions and are folded over the arms ofthe infant, they provide a means for restricting his movement. This canbe advantageous for several reasons. By restricting the movement of theinfant, he will expend less energy, thereby conserving his energy tosustain other body functions. Also, by restricting the arms of theinfant, his typically sharp fingernails will not be capable of'scratching other regions of his body. Furthermore, without the use ofhis arms, the infant will be incapable of unwrapping the swaddling means13 and thereby exposing his body to his environment.

I As shown in FIG. 10, the first and second side regions 115 and 125 canbe disposed in a second operable configuration to cooperate with thewindow 105 and to provide for the monitoring of the infants breathing.In

this configuration, the first side region 115 can be folded around theright arm of the infant and tucked beneath the infant. Similarly, thesecond side region 125 can be folded around the left arm of the infantand tucked beneath the infant. In this manner the infant remainsentirely covered since the-tucking of the side re-. gions 115 and 125merely exposes the front region 91 which covers the front of the infant.In this manner, the window 105 is exposed and the chest of the infantcan be viewed. In this configuration, the arms of the infant remainrestricted by the first and second side regions 115 and 125. In thismanner the swaddling means 13 can provide simultaneously the advantagesassociated with covering an infant with an insulating material,restricting the movement of the infants arms, and monitoring thebreathing of the infant.

A first head support flap 135 extends from the first side region 115 injuxtaposition to the hood region 75. The first head supportflat 135 canbe shaped in a substantially rectangular configuration and defined bythe short side 137, the imaginary short line 117,- and two long sides139 and 141. The short side 137 and the long side-139 define outer edgesof the swaddling means 13. The long edge 139 extends tangentially to thecurved edge 123 at the point where the imaginary short line 117 and thecurved edge 123 intersect. The long side 141 can be parallel toandcoextensive with the short side 77 of the hood region 75. In thepreferred embodiment, the long side 141 also is closely disposed to theshort side 77 so that it is also substantiallycollinear with" theimaginary long line 71 of the back region 65. The short side 137 canalso becollinear with the long side 81 of the hood region 75. v

A second head support flap 143 extends from the second side region 125in juxtaposition to the hood region 75. The second head support flap 143can be a nirror image of the first head support flap 135 whereby it isshaped in a rectangular configuration and defined by a short side 145, along side 147, the imaginary short line 129, and a long side 149. Thelong side 149 can be in proximity to, parallel to, and coextensive withthe short side 79 of the hood region 75. The long side 147 can betangential to'the curved edge 133 and substantially perpendicular to theimaginary short line 129.

- The short side 145 can be collinear with the long side 81 of the hoodregion 75.

The short sides'137 and 145 of the first and second head support headflaps 135 and 143, respectively, can be joined to form a head supportflap 151 on the side of the hood opposite the opening 89. The cornerdefined by the short side 137 and the long side 141 and the cornerdefined by the short side 145 and the long side 149 can be in contiguousrelationship to define a head support seam 153. The seam 153 can beretained by sewing or gluing but taping is preferred This taping can beproduced by providing a suitable adhesive on the polyethylene.

Thus, the first and second head support flaps 135 and 143 can be joinedto define a head support means 151 which extends behind the head of theinfant to aid in its support. Since the first and second head supportflaps 135 and 143 are extensions of the first and second side regions115 and 125, the folding of the side regions over the chest of theinfant operates to pull the head support means 151 in the direction ofthe hood 85. In this manner, a continuous pressure is maintained on theback of the infants head.

The head support means 151 is of particular importance to the swaddlingmeans 13. It is well known that an infants head is quite heavy inrelation to the size and strength of his neck. Thus, a means must beprovided for aiding the infant in the support of his head to insure thatan undue strain is not placed upon his neck. Typically, a person willcarry an infant in a horizontal position with their arm beneath his headthereby providing the necessary head support. However, it is extremelydifficult to maintain this support when the infant is carried in avertical position on a persons shoulder. In the manner disclosed by thisinvention, the head support means 151 can be incorporated directly intothe swaddling means 13 so that no additional head support may be needed.The head support means 151 can perform its function whether the infantis carried in a horizontal or in an upright position, such as shown inFIG. 10.

The securing means 17 can comprise the plurality of ties 19 and 21 whichcan be folded around the swaddling means 13. Buttons, zippers, and snapscan also be used for this purpose, but the ties 19 and 21 arepreferable. The securing means 17 can also be used in combination withthe mattress 15, as shown in FIG. 1.

As can be seen from the foregoing detailed description, the combinationprovides a means for aiding the infant in the maintenance of his bodytemperature so that his limited energy can be devoted to other vitalbody functions. This is particularly important in the period immediatelyafter birth when the available energy of the infant is particularlylimited. Heat can be chemically generated by the'heat generating meansand imparted to the infant through the constant temperature device sothat the infant need not increase his circulation to adjust to hiscooler environment. The constant temperature device can absorb the heatgenerated by the heat generating means and use that heat to melt thechemicals contained therein; thereby providing a fluid base on which theinfant can be laid. The heat absorbed by the constant temperature devicecan be imparted to the infant at a substantially constant temperature sothat the temperature of his environment does not fluctuatesignificantly. r

The combination disclosed herein is portable and therefore can be usedto transport. the infant not only within the hospital, but also outsideof the hospitaL-The combination is inexpensive to manufacture andtherefore can be sold at a relatively low price. This low price can makethe replacement of individual units inexpensive so that they can bedisposable and, therefore, need not be maintained in a sterilecondition.

The swaddling means provides a particularly novel apparatus capable ofinsulating the infant against the loss of heat. The head support meansextends behind the head of the infant and aids in maintaining the neckof .the infant in line with his spine. This is particularly importantsince the head of an infant is particularly heavy in comparison to theability of his neck to support that weight.

A window is provided in the swaddling means for viewing the chest cavityof the infant so that his breathing can be monitored. In this manner thebreathing of the infant can be observed without unwrapping him andthereby exposing him to his environment.

Although this application has been disclosed and illustrated withreference to particular applications, the principles involved aresusceptible of numerous other applications which will be apparent topersons skilled in the art. The invention is, therefore, to be limitedonly as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In combination for maintaining an infant at a substantially constanttemperature:

a portable mattress made from an insulating material;

first means disposed upon the mattress and having characteristics forchemically reacting to provide a substantially constant temperature foran extended period of time; and

second means disposed upon the first means fo swaddling the infant andfor permitting the transfer of heat from the first means to the infantatthe substantially constant temperature and for facilitating themaintenance of the infant at the substantially constant temperature.

2. The combination set forth in claim 1 wherein:

the first means includes means for generating heat at a variabletemperature and means responsive to the generation of the heat absorbingsuch heat at the variable temperature and for imparting the heat to theinfant through the second means at the substantially constanttemperature.

3. The combination set forth in claim 2 wherein,

the second means include means for retaining the head of the infant in aforward position and means for providing an indication of the breathing.of the infant.

4. The combination setforth in claim 3 wherein,

the second means is constructed from a single piece of material havinginsulating properties and wherein the second means include means forretaining the arms of the infant in substantially fixed position. 5. Thecombination set forth in claim 4, including: means disposed incooperative relationship with the mattress for retaining-the swaddledinfant and the first means in fixed relationship with the mattress.

6. A combination for imparting heat to and resisting dissipation of heatfrom an infant, comprising:

a portable mattress for supporting the infant with-the head of theinfant in a hyperextended position to facilitate the breathing of theinfant, the mattress being formed from a material having characteristicsfor insulating against the loss of heat;

first means for generating heat at a substantially con- .stanttemperature, said first means being disposed in contiguous relationshipwith said mattress; and secondmeans for swaddling thhe infant, saidsecond means being disposed in contiguous relationship with said firstmeans on the side opposite said portable mattress, said second meanssubstantially enclosing the infant so that the heat developed by andimparted to the infant by the first means is not readily dissipated.

7. The combination set forth in'claim 6, including:

third means for securing said infant within said second means and tosaid mattress.

8. A combination as defined in claim 7 wherein said first meanscomprises:

fourth means for chemically generating heat; and

fifth means in substantial contact with said fourth means and saidsecond means for absorbing the heat generated by said fourth means andimparting the heat to the infant at the substantially constanttemperature.

9. A combination as defined in claim 8, wherein said fourth meanscomprises:

a sealed container;

a plurality of chemicals disposed within said container and beingcapable of reacting to generate heat;

sixth means having rupturable properties for releasably separating saidchemicals to prevent said separated chemicals from reacting with eachother prior to the rupture of the sixth means; and

whereby said sixth means can be'ruptured by a force exterior to saidsealed bag to release said chemicals into contact with each other,thereby initiating said heat generating reaction and developing a heatdifferential across the wall of said container.

10. A combination as defined in claim 9, wherein said sixth meanscomprises:

a flexible rupturable bag enclosing at least one of said chemicals andhaving a weakened seal in its outer wall;

whereby said container can be struck to rupture said weakened seal sothat said chemicals can mix and react to generate heat.

11. A combination for imparting heat to and resisting the dissipation ofheat from an infant, comprising:

first means having characteristics for chemically reacting to provide aportable source of heat;

a mattress underlying said first means, said mattress being constructedto insulate heat and to provide support for the infant;

second means providing a wrapping for the infant with the infantdisposed adjacent to said first means whereby the heat is imparted tothe infant by the first means and said second means insulates againstthe dissipation of the heat;

third means for securing the infant to said mattress and for maintainingsaid second means in contact with the infant, and I v fourth meansdisposed between said first means and said second means, said fourthmeans having characteristics for maintaining said heat at asubstantially constant temperature.

12. A combination as defined in claim 11, wherein said fourth meanscomprises:

a first sheet of material having the capability of readily transferringheat;

a second'sheet of material having the capability of readily transferringheat wherein said second sheet is joined with said first sheet along themarginal region thereof to fonn an enclosure through which heat can bereadily transferred in at least one direction;

at least one chemical contained within said enclosure, said chemicalhaving the capability of readily 13. A combination for facilitating themaintenance of the body temperature of an infant, comprising:

first means for swaddling and substantially restricting the movement ofsaid infant;

second means in substantial contact with said first means for providinga source of substantially constant temperature; and a mattresssupporting the infant in the first means and having a first cavity atone end thereof, said cavity having a depth permitting the head of saidinfant to tilt slightly backwards whereby the breathing passage of saidinfant is straightened to facilitate the breathing of said infant. 14.The combination recited in claim 13 wherein the second means comprises:

third means having a contiguous relationship with the mattress forchemically generating heat; and

chemical means having a contiguous relationship with the first means forreceiving the heat from the third means and for imparting the heat tothe infant through the first means at the substantially constanttemperature.

15. The combination set forth in claim 13 wherein the first means isformed from a single piece of insulating material which defines a holethrough which the chest of the infant can be viewed to monitor thebreathing of the infant.

16. The combination as defined in claim 13, wherein said first means isformed from an insulating material and comprises: i

a hood adapted to substantially enclose the head of said infant;

third means for enclosing and substantially restricting movement of thearms of said infant;

fourth means attached to said third means and in substantial contactwith the back of said hood, said fourth means having-properties foraiding in the support of the head of said infant;

fifth means for substantially covering the front region of said infantwhile permitting the'observation of the breathing of said infant; and aback portion in substantial contact with the back of said infant, saidback portion connecting said hood, said third means and said fifthmeans; whereby said infant can be placed on said back portion with thehead of said infant substantially enclosed by said hood, said fifthmeans can be folded over the feet of said infant to substantially coverthe front region of said infant, and said third means can be folded overthe arms of the infant to restrict the arm movement of said infant.

17. The combination as defined in claim 16 wherein said fifth meansincludes:

first portions attached to said back portion on a side thereof oppositethat of said hood;

second portions defining a hole through which the chest of the infantcan be observed when the fifth means is operably positioned over thefront region of said infant; and

third portions disposed on said fifth means at the end thereof oppositesaid first portions, said third portions having characteristics forengaging the neck of said infant to retain said fifth means in contactwith thefront of said infant.

18. A combination as defined in claim 17, wherein said third meanscomprises:

at least one side flap attached to said back portion on a side thereofsubstantially perpendicular to the side of the back portion to whichsaid hood is attached; and

said side flap being of sufficient length to extend over both of thearms of said infant.

19. A combination as defined in claim 17, wherein:

said third means comprises at least a pair of side flaps attached tosaid back portion on opposite sides thereof and along linessubstantially perpendicular to the line along which said hood isattached to said back portion, said side flaps being of sufficientlength to permit overlapping of said side flaps across the front of theinfant and also being of sufficient length to wrap around one of thearms of the infant; and

said fifth means comprises a front region having portions thereof whichdefine a hole, said portions being disposed relative to said frontregion so-that said portions are positioned over the chest of saidinfant when said front region is retained by said sixth means;

a transparent sheet material connected to said portions to provide awindow in said front region, said transparent window permittingobservation of the infants chest while resisting the dissipation of heatfrom the body of said infant;

whereby said fifth means and said third means cooperate to maintain theheat ingegrity of said first means and restrict the movement of saidinfant while permitting the observation of the breathing of said infantthrough said transparent-window.

20. A combination as defined in claim 19, wherein said first means isformed from a single piece of insulating material and said sixth meanscomprises a pair of shoulder straps which define a neck slottherebetween, said shoulder straps having characteristics for being ofsufficient length to permit said straps to be folded between the back ofsaid infant and said back portion.

21. A combination for facilitating the maintenance of the bodytemperature of an infant, comprising:

first means for swaddling and substantially restricting the movement ofsaid infant;

second means in substantial contact with said first means for providinga source of substantially constant temperature and for supporting saidinfant in a manner which facilitates his breathing, said second meansincluding a mattress made of insulating material and having a firstcavity at one end thereof, said cavity being capable of permitting thehead of said infant to tilt slightly backward whereby the breathingpassage of said infant is straightened to facilitate his breathing;

a hood inluded in the first means and capable of substantially enclosingthe head of said infant;

third means included in the first means and capable of enclosing andsubstantially restricting movement of the arms of said infant; I

fourth means included in the first means and attached to said thirdmeans and in substantial contact with the back of said hood, said fourthmeans being capable of aiding in the support of the head of said infant;

fifth means included in the first means and capable of substantiallycovering the front of said infant and 1 5 permitting the observation ofthe breathing of said infant; and a back portion included in the firstmeans and in substantial contact with the back of said infant, said 4back portion connecting said hood, said third means and said fifthmeans; whereby said infant can be placed on said back portion with hishead substantially enclosed by said hood, said fifth means can be foldedover the feet of said infant to substantially cover his front region,and said third means can be folded over the arms of said infant torestrict his arm movement.

22. The combination as defined in claim 21, wherein said fifth means isattached to said back portion on a side thereof opposite to that of saidhood wherein regions of said fifth means define a hole through which thebreathing of said infant can be observed;

sixth means disposed on said fifth means opposite the attached endthereof, saidsixth means being capable of retaining said fifth means incontact with the front of the infant;

whereby said fifth means can be folded over the front of said infant andsaid sixth means engaged, and the said third means comprises:

at least a pair of side flaps attached on opposite sides of said backportion along lines substantially perpendicular to the lines on whichsaid hood and .said fifth means are attached, said side flaps beingcapable of overlapping each other across the front of the infant andalso being of sufficient length to wrap around the respective arms ofthe infant and tuck between the back of said infant and said backtransparent window permitting observation of the infants chest whileresisting the dissipation of heat from his body;

whereby said fifth means and said thirdmeans cooperate to maintain theheat integrity of said first means and restrict the movement of theinfant while permitting the observation of his breathing through saidtransparent window.

25. A combination as defined in claim 24, wherein said first means isformed from a single piece of insulating material and said sixth meanscomprises shoulder straps which define a neck slot th'erebetween, saidshoulder straps having the capability of being folded between the backof said infant and said back portion.

1. In combination for maintaining an infant at a substantially constanttemperature: a portable mattress made from an insulating material; firstmeans disposed upon the mattress and having characteristics forchemically reacting to provide a substantially constant temperature foran extended period of time; and second means disposed upon the firstmeans for swaddling the infant and for permitting the transfer of heatfrom the first means to the infant at the substantially constanttemperature and for facilitating the maintenance of the infant at thesubstantially constant temperature.
 2. The combination set forth inclaim 1 wherein: the first means includes means for generating heat at avariable temperature and means responsive to the generation of the heatabsorbing such heat at the variable temperature and for imparting theheat to the infant through the second means at the substantiallyconstant temperature.
 3. The combination set forth in claim 2 wherein,the second means include means for retaining the head of the infant in aforward position and means for providing an indication of the breathingof the infant.
 4. The combination set forth in claim 3 wherein, thesecond means is constructed from a single piece of material havinginsulating properties and wherein the second means include means forretaining the arms of the infant in substantially fixed position.
 5. Thecombination set forth in claim 4, including: means disposed incooperative relationship with the mattress for retaining the swaddledinfant and the first means in fixed relationship with the mattress.
 6. Acombination for imparting heat to and resisting dissipation of heat froman infant, comprising: a portable mattress for supporting the infantwith the head of the infant in a hyperextended position to facilitatethe breathing of the infant, the mattress being formed from a materialhaving characteristics for insulating against the loss of heat; firstmeans for generating heat at a substantially constant temperature, saidfirst means being disposed in contiguous relationship with saidmattress; and second means for swaddling thhe infant, said second meansbeing disposed in contiguous relationship with said first means on theside opposite said portable mattress, said second means substantiallyenclosing the infant so that the heat developed by and imparted to theinfant by the first means is not readily dissipated.
 7. The combinationset forth in claim 6, including: third means for securing said infantwithin said second means and to said mattress.
 8. A combination asdefined in claim 7 wherein said first means comprises: fourth means forchemically generating heat; and fifth means in substantial contact withsaid fourth means and said second means for absorbing the heat generatedby said fourth means and imparting the heat to the infant at thesubstantially constant temperature.
 9. A combination as defined in claim8, wherein said fourth means comprises: a sealed container; a pluralityof chemicals disposed within said container and being capable ofreacting to generate heat; sixth means having rupturable properties forreleasably separating said chemicals to prevent said separated chemicalsfrom reacting with each other prior to the rupture of the sixth means;and whereby said sixth means can be ruptured by a force exterior to saidsealed bag to release said chemicals into contact with each other,thereby initiating said heat generating reaction and developing a heatdifferential across the wall of said container.
 10. A combination asdefined in claim 9, wherein said sixth means comprises: a flexiblerupturable bag enclosing at least one of said chemicals and having aweakened seal in its outer wall; whereby said container can be struck torupture said weakened seal so that said chemicals can mix and react togenerate heat.
 11. A combinatiOn for imparting heat to and resisting thedissipation of heat from an infant, comprising: first means havingcharacteristics for chemically reacting to provide a portable source ofheat; a mattress underlying said first means, said mattress beingconstructed to insulate heat and to provide support for the infant;second means providing a wrapping for the infant with the infantdisposed adjacent to said first means whereby the heat is imparted tothe infant by the first means and said second means insulates againstthe dissipation of the heat; third means for securing the infant to saidmattress and for maintaining said second means in contact with theinfant, and fourth means disposed between said first means and saidsecond means, said fourth means having characteristics for maintainingsaid heat at a substantially constant temperature.
 12. A combination asdefined in claim 11, wherein said fourth means comprises: a first sheetof material having the capability of readily transferring heat; a secondsheet of material having the capability of readily transferring heatwherein said second sheet is joined with said first sheet along themarginal region thereof to form an enclosure through which heat can bereadily transferred in at least one direction; at least one chemicalcontained within said enclosure, said chemical having the capability ofreadily absorbing heat from the first means at a substantially variabletemperature and readily imparting that heat to the second means at asubstantially constant temperature; and whereby the heat generated bysaid first means is readily absorbed at a substantially variabletemperature through said first sheet by said chemical and said heat isdissipated at a substantially constant temperature to said second meansthrough said second sheet.
 13. A combination for facilitating themaintenance of the body temperature of an infant, comprising: firstmeans for swaddling and substantially restricting the movement of saidinfant; second means in substantial contact with said first means forproviding a source of substantially constant temperature; and a mattresssupporting the infant in the first means and having a first cavity atone end thereof, said cavity having a depth permitting the head of saidinfant to tilt slightly backwards whereby the breathing passage of saidinfant is straightened to facilitate the breathing of said infant. 14.The combination recited in claim 13 wherein the second means comprises:third means having a contiguous relationship with the mattress forchemically generating heat; and chemical means having a contiguousrelationship with the first means for receiving the heat from the thirdmeans and for imparting the heat to the infant through the first meansat the substantially constant temperature.
 15. The combination set forthin claim 13 wherein the first means is formed from a single piece ofinsulating material which defines a hole through which the chest of theinfant can be viewed to monitor the breathing of the infant.
 16. Thecombination as defined in claim 13, wherein said first means is formedfrom an insulating material and comprises: a hood adapted tosubstantially enclose the head of said infant; third means for enclosingand substantially restricting movement of the arms of said infant;fourth means attached to said third means and in substantial contactwith the back of said hood, said fourth means having properties foraiding in the support of the head of said infant; fifth means forsubstantially covering the front region of said infant while permittingthe observation of the breathing of said infant; and a back portion insubstantial contact with the back of said infant, said back portionconnecting said hood, said third means and said fifth means; wherebysaid infant can be placed on said back portion with the head of saidinfant substantially enclosed by said hOod, said fifth means can befolded over the feet of said infant to substantially cover the frontregion of said infant, and said third means can be folded over the armsof the infant to restrict the arm movement of said infant.
 17. Thecombination as defined in claim 16 wherein said fifth means includes:first portions attached to said back portion on a side thereof oppositethat of said hood; second portions defining a hole through which thechest of the infant can be observed when the fifth means is operablypositioned over the front region of said infant; and third portionsdisposed on said fifth means at the end thereof opposite said firstportions, said third portions having characteristics for engaging theneck of said infant to retain said fifth means in contact with the frontof said infant.
 18. A combination as defined in claim 17, wherein saidthird means comprises: at least one side flap attached to said backportion on a side thereof substantially perpendicular to the side of theback portion to which said hood is attached; and said side flap being ofsufficient length to extend over both of the arms of said infant.
 19. Acombination as defined in claim 17, wherein: said third means comprisesat least a pair of side flaps attached to said back portion on oppositesides thereof and along lines substantially perpendicular to the linealong which said hood is attached to said back portion, said side flapsbeing of sufficient length to permit overlapping of said side flapsacross the front of the infant and also being of sufficient length towrap around one of the arms of the infant; and said fifth meanscomprises a front region having portions thereof which define a hole,said portions being disposed relative to said front region so that saidportions are positioned over the chest of said infant when said frontregion is retained by said sixth means; a transparent sheet materialconnected to said portions to provide a window in said front region,said transparent window permitting observation of the infant''s chestwhile resisting the dissipation of heat from the body of said infant;whereby said fifth means and said third means cooperate to maintain theheat ingegrity of said first means and restrict the movement of saidinfant while permitting the observation of the breathing of said infantthrough said transparent window.
 20. A combination as defined in claim19, wherein said first means is formed from a single piece of insulatingmaterial and said sixth means comprises a pair of shoulder straps whichdefine a neck slot therebetween, said shoulder straps havingcharacteristics for being of sufficient length to permit said straps tobe folded between the back of said infant and said back portion.
 21. Acombination for facilitating the maintenance of the body temperature ofan infant, comprising: first means for swaddling and substantiallyrestricting the movement of said infant; second means in substantialcontact with said first means for providing a source of substantiallyconstant temperature and for supporting said infant in a manner whichfacilitates his breathing, said second means including a mattress madeof insulating material and having a first cavity at one end thereof,said cavity being capable of permitting the head of said infant to tiltslightly backward whereby the breathing passage of said infant isstraightened to facilitate his breathing; a hood inluded in the firstmeans and capable of substantially enclosing the head of said infant;third means included in the first means and capable of enclosing andsubstantially restricting movement of the arms of said infant; fourthmeans included in the first means and attached to said third means andin substantial contact with the back of said hood, said fourth meansbeing capable of aiding in the support of the head of said infant; fifthmeans included in the first means and capable of substantially coveringthe front of said infant and permitting the observation of the breathingof said infant; and a back portion included in the first means and insubstantial contact with the back of said infant, said back portionconnecting said hood, said third means and said fifth means; wherebysaid infant can be placed on said back portion with his headsubstantially enclosed by said hood, said fifth means can be folded overthe feet of said infant to substantially cover his front region, andsaid third means can be folded over the arms of said infant to restricthis arm movement.
 22. The combination as defined in claim 21, whereinsaid fifth means is attached to said back portion on a side thereofopposite to that of said hood wherein regions of said fifth means definea hole through which the breathing of said infant can be observed; sixthmeans disposed on said fifth means opposite the attached end thereof,said sixth means being capable of retaining said fifth means in contactwith the front of the infant; whereby said fifth means can be foldedover the front of said infant and said sixth means engaged, and thebreathing of said infant can be observed through said hole.
 23. Acombination as defined in claim 22, wherein said third means comprises:at least one side flap attached to said back portion on a side thereofsubstantially perpendicular to the sides on which said hood and saidfifth means are attached; and said side flap being of sufficient lengthto extend over both arms of said infant.
 24. A combination as defined inclaim 22, wherein said third means comprises: at least a pair of sideflaps attached on opposite sides of said back portion along linessubstantially perpendicular to the lines on which said hood and saidfifth means are attached, said side flaps being capable of overlappingeach other across the front of the infant and also being of sufficientlength to wrap around the respective arms of the infant and tuck betweenthe back of said infant and said back portion; and said fifth meanscomprises: a front region having portions thereof which define a hole,said portions being disposed relative to said front region so that theyare positioned over the chest of said infant when said front region isretained by said sixth means; a transparent sheet material connected tosaid portions to provide a window in said front region, said transparentwindow permitting observation of the infant''s chest while resisting thedissipation of heat from his body; whereby said fifth means and saidthird means cooperate to maintain the heat integrity of said first meansand restrict the movement of the infant while permitting the observationof his breathing through said transparent window.
 25. A combination asdefined in claim 24, wherein said first means is formed from a singlepiece of insulating material and said sixth means comprises shoulderstraps which define a neck slot therebetween, said shoulder strapshaving the capability of being folded between the back of said infantand said back portion.